Shirt body pressing machine



Feb. 26, 1946. F. J. COUCH SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 25,1943 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR I ffoeessr J. Couch' BY W ATTORNEYS FiledMarch 25, 1943 s Sheets-Sheet r2 H C 6 RI/n my m mZ m MFv Y B Feb. 26,1946.. F. COUCH 2,395,466

SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1943 6 Shets-Sheet 5 I 253 gg 274 273 I flzsa 287 VII"; 282/76 -292 "c, 6'7 303 Hi glp i 277 '1 :L I297 f .15 286% 279 95' @296 288 280 275 3:29;; 289 393 v 29a 3 290 F I rEL" 1::- 23 .287 3 1 f;

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INVENTOR FORREST J. COUCH ATTORNEYS Filed March 25, 1943 Sheets-Sheet 472 Foeessr .7. COUCH. BY

IN-VENTOR ATTORNEYS Feb. 26, 1946. F. J. COUCH SHI RT BODY PRESSINGMACHINE Filed March 25, 1943 6 Shets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR FORREST J. COUCHBY ATTORNEYS- Feb. 26, 1946.

F. J. COUCH SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Filed March, 25, 1943 6Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Fomrssr J. COUCH BY 6% M W ATTORNEYS PatentedFeb. 26,1946

SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Forrest J. Couch, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignorto Q The American Laundry Machinery Company. Cincinnati, Ohio, acorporation of Ohio Application March 25, 1943, Serial No. 480,437

26 Claims.

This invention relates to shirt body pressing machines, such as are usedin commercial laundries for the pressing ofmens negligee shirts, with orwithout attached collars, or other generally similar articles of wearingapparel,

Generally speaking, the invention relates to a machine of the samegeneral type illustrated in certain Rawlinson Patents Nos. 2,126,577,August 9, 1938; 2,195,737, April 2, 1940; and 2,241,- 373, May 6, 1941,to which reference may be had if desirable or necessary. Machines ofthis general type include a suitable framework on which is mounted arotatable turret carrying two or more like upright shirt receivingforms, on each of which a shirt to be ironed may be draped or dressedpreparatory to its advance, by turret rotation, into "position betweentwo complementary pressing members, which are closed together underpressure upon the form to produce the ironing effect.

One object of the present invention is gen erally to improve theconstruction, arrangement tions of the shirt, such as the side or yokeseams.

which ordinarily require more heat and a longer time of pressing thanthe remaining single thickness portions of the shirt,

A further object is to provide an auxiliary drier for the side and yokeseams, which is: built in or forms a part of one or both of the heatedironing chests, and which also includes hot air producing andcirculating means effective for the supply of heated air to the movableironing chests and including conduit means for the hot air streamcoupled to and uncoupled from the source of supply of hot air by or inaccordance with chest movement.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved back yokeironer which is semiautomatic in operation and requires very littleattention from the operator, but which assists in ironing the back ofthe yoke close up to the line where it joins the collar band or collarof the shirt.

and manner of operation of machines of this kind in 'such manner as tomore efficiently and completely accomplish the task for which themachine is designed and by operating and control mechanism which reducesthe attention required from the operator and simplifies her task, to theend of producing high quality results at reduced cost per shirt. I

More in detail, the invention aims to improve the means and manner ofoperation of the form and the pressing chests during and at the time ofthe pressing operation, and to accommodate the machine to shirts ofvarious sizes without liability of distortion of the work.

A further object is to provide an improved ma chine of this kindincluding improved means, effective upon or in connection with therotating turret, for securing appropriate registration or relativeposition as between the shirt holding form andthe press-chestscooperating therewith, and for not only locking or holding the turret inpressing position, but for also releasing it to permit its next advance,when that is desirable.

A further object is to improve the construc tion of the shirt holdingform, not only as to its body portion, but also with respect to its sidewings, which are not only adjustable but selfaccommodating to varioussizes of shirt, and also with respect to the former around which theneckband or collar of the shirt is dressed.

Still another object of the invention is to provide improved means for.accelerating or assisting in the drying effect upon the thicker porerlyupon the form and for removing it after the ironing operation iscompleted.

Finally, another object of the invention is to provide timing means ofthe character described including an operator-operated disabler by meansof which the operator, at her will, at the appropriate time, is enabledto interrupt or halt the operation of the timing means and all pressoperations controlled thereby, so as to stay proceedings, as it were,and enable her to complete the task of dressing the shirt upon the formwhere special circumstances require more time than the automatic timermakes available for the purpose, such disabling means being of such formthat when operated reversely, the interrupted cycle continues exactlywhere it left off and is completed in the normal manner.

Further objects of the invention are in part obvious and in part willappear more in detail hereinafter.

In the drawings, which represent one suitable embodiment of theinvention, Fig. 1 is a sideelevation, parts of the machine being brokenaway and in section to expose interior parts; Fig. 2 is a plan view ofthe machine shown in Fig. 1, some parts being omitted for simplicity ofillustration; Fig. 3 is an end elevation, from the left in Fig. 1, ofcertain portions-of the timing and control mechanism, the cover thereforbeing omitted; Fig. 4 is a Sectional plan view thereof on approximatelythe line 4-4, Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a fragmental rear end elevation of someof the control'parts, looking at the machine in the direction of thearrows 5-5, Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the electricalcontrol circuits; Fig. '7 is a detail rear elevation of one of the shirtreceiving forms or bucks, the view being taken looking at the form fromthe left in Fig. 8; Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation on the line 88,Fig.7; Fig. 9 is a detail sectional'plan view. on approximately the line99, in each of Figs. 1 and 7; Fig; 10 is an enlarged fragmental view. inelevation, of a part of the turret frame, a chest carriage and chest;Fig. 11 is a detail sectional plan view on approximately the line I'III, Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a detail sectional elevation on. the line I2I2,Fig. 11; and Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the control system.

Referring to the machine generally, as shown in Figs.'1 and 2, itcomprises a suitable frame including a base I at one end supporting anend pillar 2 of hollow cylindrical form, and at its opposite end astandard including a pair of channels 3, the pillar and standard beingconnected, at the top of the machine, by a cross head or shaft 4. On thepillar 2 is rotatably mounted a turret, marked generally 5, whichsupports a plurality (two, three or more) of shirt holding forms, twothereof being shown for purposes of illustration, and markedrespectively 6, I. Between'the pillar 2 and standard 3 are supported twopressing members, to-wit, a back member 8 and a front member 9, theinner pressing surfaces of which are complementary to those of the form.While one only of said pressing members is required to be movable, bothare shown as movable, the front member 9 being actuated by a duplexfluid pressure motor ID, for the closing operation, and the backpressing member 8 by another fluid pressure motor I I, for producingpressure. I2 indicates generally the back yoke ironer, to be describedmore in detail hereinafter. For assisting in the drying operation themachine is provided with means for supplying a current of hot air,including a fan or blower I3 actuated by an electric motor I4 andcommunicating by way of conduit I5 with a heat interchanger I6, fromwhichthe heated air is delivered for use in drying, as will laterappear. The controller and timer for the various machine movements isindicated generally at IT. Within the casing thereof said timer includesan operating electric motor l8, to be referred to hereinafter.

The machine also includes a number of other servo motors, such as amotor I9 for extending and a motor 20 for retracting the wings of theshirt holding forms, a motor 2| for retracting the yoke ironer, a motor22 for rotating or indexing the turret, and still other smallerservomotors, controlling valves, and other devices to be referred tomore in detail hereinafter.

Form and chest operation I pivoted at 43 to standard 3.

' located to be engaged by an ear 50 on the drum the chest 9, which inoperation is moved into contact with the form and then, by its furthermotion, advances the form to a position just short of engagement withthe other chest 8, or it may be in contact but without pressureengagement. In' this position the first chest 9 is locked 'and becomesstationary to form an abutment to receiv the pressure applied by theother chest 8.

The moving means for the first chest 9 includes a pair of toggle links,one of which is operated first by a small diameter servomotor piston andthen by a larger diameter servomotor piston, the final pressure beingapplied to the work through leverage actuated by a third large diameterfluid pressure motor. This arrangement reduces air consumption, butsecures rapid motion and relatively high pressure.

As illustrated, the frame of turret 5 is provided with tracks 23, Fig.'7, in which travel rolls 24 attached to the ,sides of two carriages'25, one supporting each of the forms 6, 1.

Each of the carriages 25, and the form which it supports, is biased toits extreme outer position on the turret by springs 26 surrounding tworods 21, one on either side. One rod 21 is fastened at 28, Fig. 1, toone of the carriages 25 and at its opposite end slides through a guide29 on the other carriage. Connections of the rods to the carriages arereversed, i. e., each carriage has one rod fastened to it and slidingthrough a guide 29 on the other carriage. The arrangement equalizes theapplication of returning effect to both sides of each carriage,preventing binding, and each carriage, when in its outer position,serves as an abutment against which both springs work to return theother carriage.

Chest 9 is suspended by a pairof rods 30 from a hanger 3| which slidesalong the rod 4. The connection 'of' rods. 30 to chest 9 is such as topermitreasonable freedom of action to permit nesting registration orself-accommodation of chest 9 to the form 6 or I with which it is tocooperate in the pressing action. At about the mid point of its length,chest 9 is, pivotally connected to togglelink 32, pivotally connected atthe knuckle 33 to the second toggle link 34, which in this case is'acrank or arm mounted to turn with a shaft 35 pivoted in the standard 3.

The hub of toggle link 34 is provided with a gear segment 36 meshingwith the teeth of rack 3'! formed as a part of thepiston rod 38 of theservomotor ID, the teeth of the segment 36 and rack 31 being held inengagement by a backing roller 39. Energization of motor Ill producesdownward motion, Fig. 1, of the piston rod 38, moves the toggle linkstoward straightened position, and advances the chest 9 from the dottedline position toward the full line position, Fig. 1.

Shaft 35 has secured thereto a second arm 40 pivotally connected at itsouter end to the piston rod 4I-of a suitable air check or snubber 42 Astrong tension spring or springs 44 opposes the motive effort of theservomotor I0, one end of said spring being .being attached to a point48 on the drum.

49, Fig. 2, is a stop on the stationary frame 41, to limit openingmovement of chest 9.

The arm 5|, Fig. 1, serves as an abutment against which the knuckle ofthe toggle locked.

over center bears when pressure is applied by the back chest 8, spring52 serving to cushion toggle movement as it is closed, and also servingas an initial kicking out device, when the toggle is broken, to startchest opening movement.

The back chest 8 is ivotally mounted on a shaft 53 supported by an arm54 pivoted at 55 to a bracket or support 56 mounted on pillar 2.

The pivotal mounting of chest 8 permits reasonable freedom of movementthereof to secure proper nesting engagement or self-accommodation ofchest 8 to the form, when pressure is applied. Spring 51, Fig. 1, undercompression between chest 8 and arm 54, maintains the chestsubstantially in vertical parallelism with the form, when they areseparated, but does not affect free self-accommodating adjustment of thechest to the form, as hereinbefore described.

Arm 54 ha its upper end forked to embrace the shaft on which slides thepiston 58 of servomotor H, the cylinder of which is properly alined withand supported by shaft 4 and pillar 2, so as to work with the piston.When fluid pressure is supplied to servomotor II it moves to the leftinFig. 1, applying chest 8 to the form under pressure resisted by chest 9,which is now locked in position and serves as a rigid abutment. Theactual movement of the chest of course is very slight. Spring 59 servesto return arm 54 and chest 8 and to release the pressure when servomotoril is exhausted. Spring 60, Fig. l, is a simple bumper spring.

The chest closing duplex motor 10 is shown in detail in Fig. 13. Ashereinbefore stated, it includes two pistons, differing in size, withparts of the cylinder sized to the respective pistons.

The stroke of the first or smaller piston 6| is such as to producemovement of chest 9 sufficient to advance it to a position just short ofcontact with the form, whereupon the second or larger piston 62 becomeseffective to advance the chest and form into their final positions.

In the first open position both pistons are at the upper ends of theirrespective cylinders 61a, 62a, as shown in broken lines, Fig. 13. Toclose the chest air is supplied through conduit 63, moving piston BIdownwardly, the post 64 of said piston engaging the piston 62 and movingit and the piston rod 38 downwardly to produce the initial chest closingmovement. When the smaller piston 6| reaches the end of its stroke thestem of a valve 65 engages a fixed abutment, opening said valve.Thereupon the pressure fluid flows through or past the valve into theoperating chamber of cylinder 62a, causing the second or larger piston62 to continue its movement and,

through piston rod 38, rack 31 and segment 36, to

complete closing movement of the toggle links.

The arrangement described retards the advancing motion of chest 9 justas it reaches or is applied to the form, during the closing operation.That is to say, the initial chest movement is produced by small piston6|. reaches the end of its stroke chest movement is momentarily slowedup to permit it to adjust itself with ease into contact with the form,thereby preventing distortion of the lay of the garment, if contact wereproduced forcibly or violently. Now the chest 9 and form continuemovement under the influence of the larger piston 62,

' the increased area of which compensate for the extra load in alsoadvancing the form. Therefore constant rate of motion is maintainedthroughout the closing operation, except at the instant when the chest 9contacts with the form.

As thi piston with the two pistons proportioned as described, that partof the operation which requires the greatest amount oi movement isaccomplished with a small diameter fluid motor. When the duty increases,as when the form begins to move, the piston diameter is increased.Finally, when heavy pressure is required the piston area is againincreased by resort to the larger servomotor ll.

. The shirt holding forms The shirt holding forms 6, 1 are alike inconstruction and manner of operation, so that de scription of one willsuflice for both. Each thereof has a body portion which is more or lessrectangular when viewed in elevation, as in Fig. 7, and oval inhorizontal cross section, as shown in Fig. 9, and which generallysimulates the human body. This body portion or frame, marked 66 in Fig.8, is hollow to provide an interior chamber 61 containing certainoperating mechanism and along its side edge is provided with open slots68 through which are movable horizontally side wings 69 which areflexibly mounted so that when moved outwardly they areself-accommodating to the shape-of a-shirt and apply uniform stretchingaction over substantially its entire length.

The hollow body or frame of the form. is covered by a rubber sheath 10enclosed within the usual covering material 1|, usually comprising alayer of flannel and a muslin cover cloth, the sheath and cover togetherforming a yielding padding against which the work is pressed or ironed.

The two forms are identical except as to size. 9 One of them is designedto accommodate a range of shirt sizes, say, up to size 16, and the otheris about one inch wider and accommodates a range of sizes from size 16up. The extra inch in width is indicated in dotted lines, Fig. 7, in theshoulder portions 661; of the padded body, although the wings of thelarger form may also be slightly wider, if desired. While the difierencein size is sufficiently distinctive, the two forms may also beseparately identified as by the color of some permanently exposed part,so that the operator can determine upon which form to dress a small andupon which to dress a large shirt.

Referring to the wings 69, these are alike as to construction and mannerof operation. Each has a body portion made of suitable material, such asperforatedv sheet metal or a wire bent to the external shape of the wingand filled with coarse wire mesh secured around its edges to the wire,the peripheral wire being marked 12 and the wire mesh 13 in Fig. '1.This assembly is then padded with the usual cotton or flannel paddingand cover cloth, indicated generally at 14. Each of the wings isremovably supported (iorpurposes of interchange of different sizes,repair'or replacement) by a bracket 15 pivotally mounted at 16 forflexible action on one of two like levers 11 pivoted at 18 in the frameor body and provided with an arm 19 engaging a grooved collar 8|! on alink 8| pivoted to an arm 82 fast with a shaft 83. In the body are alsomounted two arms 84, the upper ends 840. of each having secured theretoone diate its ends around a pin 86 secured in an extension of the upperend of the opposite lever 11, r

the other end portion 81 of each spring extending downwardly through anopening in an eye 88 attached to one of the brackets 15. Up and downmotion of the collar swings the two levers 11 about their pivots 18, butin opposite directions, and since the location and spacing of each armend 84a to the pin 86 to which it is connected by spring 85 aresubstantially the same as the relation between the corresponding pivotalconnections of arms 84 and TI to the frame, each wing is moved outwardlyand inwardly by a parallel ruler motion, as it were, with yieldingsupport by the vertical spring arms 81, enabling the wings readily to beexpanded into a shirt to stretch it to the full extent, but neverthelessself-accommodating to the shape of particular shirts.

Since the wings are of appreciable thickness, and padded, each thereof,when extended, provides solid padded backing of appreciable thicknessagainst which the side portions of the shirt are pressed, as will bereadily understood.

The wings are advanced simultaneously to their extended positions bypressure applied by the operator to a handle 89 fixed to the shaft 93.Said shaft also has affixed to it a lever 99 having a lateral extension9|, shown in Figs. 1 and 7, and which, when the form is in pressingposition, registers with the head of a plunger 92 of the wing extendingservomotor I9, shown in Fig. 13, so that when said servomotor isenergized by the supply of fluid pressure thereto the piston 93 thereofmoves down and applies the plunger 92 to the extension 9| of lever 99.and completes outward advance of the wings to their final position.Manual operation of the lever 89 produces a gentle stretching actionwhich smoothes out the shirt and removes wrinkles and the final stretchapplied by the servomotor I9 occurs just prior to the pressing chest 8coming into pressure engagement with the form. When motor I9 isdeenergized, by evacuation of the pressure therefrom, its piston 93 isretracted by spring 94, Fig. 13.

Lever 99 is used again, later in the cycle, to retract the side wings.When the form carrying the pressed shirt is returned to the dressingposition, occupied by the form 6 shown in Fig. 1, another servomotor 29(Fig, 13) located on one side of the machine frame, Fig. 2, is actuatedby the supply of fluid pressure thereto so as to advance its piston rod95 against the effect of the retracting compression spring 96 intoengagement with one arm 91 of a bell crank lever pivoted at 98 in thestationary frame, the other arm 99 of said lever having its end portionlying beneath the same lateral extension 9| of lever 99. Accordingly,energization of servomotor 20 raises lever 99, turns shaft 83 to whichit is attached, and through the linkage 8| described retracts the wings.This operation is timed to be performed very soon (a are adjusted. Asillustrated in Fig. 8, the hub I99- of lever 99 is provided with adepending arm I9I having an annularly extending plate portion I92 whichlies between two friction shoes I93 pressed toward each other by springsI94 on rods I95. Adjustment of the nuts on said rods produces sufficientfriction against the swinging plate I92 to frictionally hold thedepending portion of the arm WI, and consequently shaft 93 and the wingsconnected thereto, in any position to which they.

may be moved. Preferably each form is provided with cover clothfastening means, shown in Figs. 7 and 8 as comprising four rods I96provided with spurs I91 which grip the tails of the cover cloth.

As the rods are revolved in their end supports, by knobs I98, the 'coverparts gripped by the spurs are wound on the rods and drawn tightly in adownward direction over the form surface. Each rod is provided at oneend with a yieldable clutch I99, the teeth of which are yieldingly heldtogether by a spring H9.

Each form is also preferably provided with suitable tail clamp means.The means shown consists of a narrow spring steel member III providedwith a cross arm H2 at its top. The lower end of the arm is supported bya rod [I3 sliding in openings in the form frame and through a squareblock II4 which rides in a square recess H5 in the frame, as shown inFigs. '7 and 8. The rod is threaded through the block and is sensitiveto a compression spring H6, which applies the tail clamp to the formwith pressure produced by the spring, adjustment of which isaccomplished by turning the rod, as by a s'crew driver applied to a slotI H in its end.

Above the Wings each form is provided with shirt arm supports, shown asa short rod H8 and a long rod II9 extending through openings I29 in theform and provided at their outer ends with knobs I2I. The inner ends ofsaid rods are connected to the long arms of bell crank levers I22pivoted at I22a, the short arms of said levers being connected to thearms I23 of a yoke secured to a rod I24 slidable in guides I25 on theframe and biased upwardly by an adjustable compression spring I26.

Rod I I9 has been provided with extra length for two purposes. First,when the wings are retracted and the shirt is being dressed upon theform, it provides a support for the shirt parts. Secondly, it is on theadvance side of the form in the direction of turret rotation. When theform moves into registry between the ironing chests, there is a tendencyfor the leading sleeve, due to the motion and direction of motion, ofthe turret, to swing backwardly 'againstthe'side of the. form where itmight become caught between the chests when they are closed. The greaterlength of this rod holds the sleeve far enough away to prevent suchaction.

At its extreme upper end eachform is provided with suitable neckbandholdin mechanism. In the form shown, this include a block I21 removablysecured to the top of the form by nuts I29. The block is shaped toconform to the collar of a shirt, usually of maximum size. To hold theshirt neckband (or collar in the case of a collar attached shirt) inposition, I provide an adjustable strip I29, usually made of thin metal,the ends thereof being afilxed to a shaft I39 having attached thereto apair of levers I3I which support a pin I32, through a hole in whichslides a rod I33 biased to the left in Fig. 8 by an adjustablecompression spring I34. The other end of said rod is pivotally connectedto a lever I35 fixed to a shaft l36 having a handle I31 and a stopfin'ger I38 adapted to engage the front face I39 of a support I49. Fig.8 shows the neckband clamp in release position. When the handle I31 isrotated forwardly (to .the right in Fig. '8), the lever I35 is alsorotated and by means of the spring I34 causes the levers I3l and shaftI39 to rotate. This rotates the strap I29 into clamping position aroundand in contact with the shirt collar dressed-on the block. Clampingmovement is limited by engagement of the stop finger I38 with thesupport'I4Il. 'When the mechanism reaches this stop position the pivotI4I has moved clockwise in Fig. 8 over center to the other side of alinebetween p v I32, I36, and the action of the same spring I34 holdsthe strap reieasably against the block, the operation being after themanner of over-center snap mechanism. Levers I3I support between Turretoperating mechanism The turret is rotated or indexed periodically, atone point in each cycle of operations, by a fluid pressure servomotor 22(see Figs. 2 and 13), the

piston rod I45 of which supports a block I46 which is adapted to swingfreely upon the rod and is fixed against longitudinal movement thereonby collars I41 and I48. Th block has an upwardly extending lug I49 whichis adapted, when the cylinder is evacuated, to lie back of the extensionI50 of an arm I5I attached to the turret frame. There is one such armfor each shirt holding form carried by the turret, two in the presentinstance. Block I46 i weighted at its lower end I52 so thatwhile it isfree to swing it is biased to a normal position with the lug I49extending upwardly. The outer end of the piston rod is supported andguided in an opening in a bracket I53, in which it is free to slide.

When fluid pressure is supplied to the servomotor cylinder a kickingimpact is applied by the block I46 to the arm I5I, effective to advancethe turret frame. When the frame, by free motion, has rotated 180, inthe present instance. it is stopped and the other like arm, on the'other side of the turret frame, assumes the position previously occupiedby the first arm. The cylinder 22 is now evacuated and a spring I54connected between collar I48 and a suitable point on the machine basereturns the piston rod and block. As the block, during its returnmovement, reaches the next a'rm I5I it engages the inclined face of theextension I50 thereof and is cammed out of the way, turning on rod I 45,so that the block is thereby permitted to pass the extension I50.weighted base I52 swings the block back to normal upright position forengagement with the next arm ISI. for the next turret rotation.

Brake means is provided to absorb most of the inertia of the freelymoving carriage as it approaches the new position. This comprises aPlate I 55 attached to the base of the machine frame, as shown in Fig.1, so as to lie beneath the path of movement of a brake shoe I56 (Figs.1, '1 and 10). Referring to Fig. 7, the brake shoe The turret lockingand registering means is best shown in Figs. 1, 10, 11 and 12. Itincludes a pair of blocks I62, I63, both of which are mounted for freerotation on a shaft I64 supported by two side angles of the main frameI. These blocks are biased to a vertical position with their sidescontacting an abutment I65 by springs I66, I61 respectively. 'As shownin Fig. 12:, the normal position of these blocks, lengthwise of shaft 7I64, is determined by the springs I68, I69. Spring I69 serves as aspacer and also as a cushion. Spring I 68 serves as a cushion and alsoas a strong biasing means to return the block I63, longitudinally of theshaft, to a normal position, as will appear later.

Block I62 has a laterally extending branch I10,

\ the face I1I of which is cut off or inclined to the path of rotationalmovement of lugs I12, one for each shirt holding form, attached to anddepending from the form holding carriages 25.

In the operation of this device, as the turret frame approachesregistering position, one of the lugs I12 engages the angular face I1Iof block I62, cams it to the left, Fig. 11, out of the way, and therebypasses block I62 and engages broadside againstthe block I 63, now innormal verti al position in contact with abutment I65. The inertia ofthe moving frame is absorbed not only at the friction shoe I56, butpartially by the spring I68, which is compressed. Sufiicient movement oflug I12 is permitted, however, so that it entirely passes block I62,which then returns to its normal vertical position against abutment I65by the force of spring I66. The energy stored in spring I68 by themoving turret frame now becomes effective to return the frame to aposition where the lug I12 engages broadside against the transversebackface of block I62, in its full line position, Fig. 11. In thisposition the turret frame, and the shirt holding forms thereon, are inproperly registered position with relation to the pressing chests, forpressing operation on When it has passed, the

one form and unloading and loading of the other form.

When the form moving carriage at the pressing station is moved to theright in Fig. 1, or toward the turret center, the lug I12 moves to theright in Fig. 11 out of the path of rotational cooperation'with blocksI62 and I63. Spring I68 then becomes further effective to move the blockI63 into abutting relation with spacer spring I 69, so that it isseparated from block I62 by a distance' less than the thickness of lugI12. Consequently block I63 now lies in the path of the return movementof the lug I12 when the carriage returns to the left in Fig. 1. Lug I12therefore engages block I63 and rotates it to the position shown in Fig.11, whereupon block I63 is no longer effective as a locking .means andthe turret frame is free to be advanced by turning movemerit for thenext operation.

I56 is pivotally supported on an arm I51 which which will permit it tomove definitely but easily into the turret locking mechanism now to bedescribed.

The shirt pressing chests As shown in Fig. 9, each of the two pressingchests is hollow, the chamber or chambers I13 therein communicating byany suitable means, such as flexible conduits I14, with a source ofheating steam. 'Their inner pressing surfaces are of polishedmetal andare shaped complementary to the external surface of the forms, as shownin Fig. 9, flat wings I15 of the chests engaging the flat surface of theadjustable padded form'wings. Accordingly, heat and pressure are appliedover the entire area of the shirt to dry, smooth and iron the same.Referring to Fig. 1,

it will be noted that chests 8 and 9 are recessed just above wings 69 toaccommodate shoulder portions 65a of varying Width.

Additionally, I provide auxiliary heating means for the side seams ofthe shirt and around the seam connecting the collar and yoke, wherethese parts do not come into intimate or direct contact terminate 'attheir outer ends in an annular air distributing groove 292 around thecollar block and which registers with the seam between the collar orneckband and yoke when the shirt is in properly dressed position.Therefore, during the pressing operation heated air is being constantlyapplied to this scam.

Yoke ironer I The machine is preferably also provided with means forironing parts of the back yoke around immediately outside of the outeredges of the padded form wings 69. By supplying heated air to thechamber I16 it is directed'by the lips I88 through the slot-like mouthsIBI upon the side seams of the shirt to accelerate the drying thereofand complete the drying task in time with the th nner body portion ofthe shirt.

The hot air supply is produced by the fan I3 operated by electric motorI4, Figs. 1 and 2, the air stream being carried by conduit 15 to andthrough the heater I6, which is provided with heating steam coils I82.

Referring now to Fig. 10, the upper end of the chamber of the heater isnormally closed by a damper I83 pivoted at I84. When the form carriageis at its outermost position on t e turret frame, as shown in fulllines, Fig. 10, said damper is held closed b a spring I85. When thecarriage 25 is advanced into pressing position, indicated by the dottedlines at the right in Fig. 10,

a flange I86 at the lower end-of a hollow conduit I81 engages lever I88and turns the damper to open position. At the same time a collar I89,normally biased upwardly by springs I99, is depressed th collar. This isbest shown in Figs. 1 and f It comprises a hollow ironing shoe 203shaped at its forward ed e to fit around the collar, as shown in Fig. 2.The chamber in said shoe is supplied with heating steam, as by flexiblepipe connections indicated conventionally at 284.

This shoe is supported movably on the station? ary frame, and moreparticularly on pillar 2. It is rigidly mounted upon a pair of arms 295connected by links 286 to a bracket 291 attached to pillar 2. The lowerends of the two front links 206 are fixed to a shaft 208 to which isattached a lever 209 pivotally connected to the rod 2I9 of a fluidpressure servomotor 2|. The yoke ironer is normally biased to operatingor ironing position by a, spring or springs 2| I, 'being returned to theinoperative full line position, Fig. 1, by energization of servomotor2I, at a time and in a manner to be described later.

Each of the form supporting. carriages 25 is provided with a snubber inthe form of a piston so a to maintain a tight seal between said 001- larand the flange I96. Heated air therefore is admitted to the hollowconduit I81 which communicates with an outlet passage I9I in a nose I92,Fig. 8. The open end of the nose I92, as shown in Fig. 10, lies in suchpositionthat when the chest 9 is advanced to engage the form 6 or 1, ayielding collar I93, similar in construction and arrangement to thecollar I89 and mounted on a hollow conduit member I94, engages the endof said nose and produces a tight seal between the two parts,establishing communication from passage I9I and through the channel I95and opening I96 to the hot air chamber I16 of the chest.

Accordingly, assuming the motor I4 is in operation, so long as the formlies in pressing position and is subject to pressure between thepressing chests, a stream of hot air is conducted and directed from theheater I6 to the chamber I16 and is distributed therefrom and applied tothe side shirt seams for drying the same, as described. When pressure isrelieved and the chests and form return to normal position, the air flowis cut off by the damper I83.

Hot air for heating the neckband seam is supplied through each of theforms, as shown in Figs. '1 and 8. As there indicated, hot air suppliedto the passage I81 within hollow conduit I81 is directed by a channelI98 to the chamber within the hollow form from which it flows by way ofpipes I99 to a channel 290 in the neckband receiving block,said channel209 communicating with a series of small openings 20I, Fig. '1, which'in the carriage.

on the piston when the carriage is advanced to pressing position(movement toward the left in Fig. 8), air'being freely drawn in to thepiston chamber through the relief valve 2. However, when the carriagereturns to its outer position, the cylinder is evacuated through anadjustable restricted orifice 2I5, with any desired snubbing action.

Usually I provide a light sheet metal hood 2I6 over each of the collarblocks, as shown in Fig. 1. The purpose thereof is to permit a shirtreadily to be drawn over the form without interference by various partsof the collar block mechanism. Also, at each end of the carriage 3| onwhich chest 9 is supported, I provide guards 2I1 to trap and collectlubricant or dirt from the moving parts.

lThe control system The control system includes automatic timing meanswhich determines and initiates directly or indirectly every operation ofthe machine in a definite sequence or cycle, all automatically exceptfor the actual dressing of the shirt upon the form, its removaltherefrom, the operation of the collar block and sleeve rods, theinitial extension of the wing members, and the application of the yokeironer. The timer controls, in

definite sequence, release of the yoke ironer, ro-' tation of theturret, movement of the front chest 9 and the form to pressing position,the final extension of the form wing members, the application ofpressure by the back chest 8, retraction of the wing members, and therelease of pressure and return of the form and chests to their originalpositions. This definite cycle of operations is repeated continuouslywithout attention by the operator, other than that referred to, as longas the automatic control mechanism is in operation. But special manualdisabling means is provided for the purpose of temporarily halting theprogress of the automatic control cycle under special circumstances, aswill appear.

As shown in Fig. 6, the electrical system is simple. It includes the twoelectric motors, mo-

tor M for the fan I3 and motor l6 for the auto-' matic timer, connectedin parallel by way of switch 2| 6 with the leads L1, La, La. Switch 2|8,,as shown in Fig. 1, is located at the front end of the machine justabove the yoke ironer, in

convenient position for manipulation by the operator. The circuit tomotor l8 includes a dis abling switch 9 to be referred to later.

The fluid pressure system, for operation and control purposes, includesa main fluid pressure conduit 226' communicating with a suitable locatedat the rear end of the machine near the base, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5.It is actuated by a pivoted lever 221 which in turn is actuated by ablocking lever 228. When the press is operating automatically, thisvalveis maintained in open position by the block, with the parts in theposition shown in Fig. 13. Block 228 is connected by a link 229 withalever 230 on a shaft 23! which extends to the front end of the machine,where it is provided with a foot treadle 232. This valve 222, therefore,may be manually closed for a purpose to be later described. It controlsthe supply of fluid pressure to a combination valve 233.

Valve 233 is actuated by a lever 234 operated by earn 235 on shaft35,which supports and operates the toggle operating gear segment 36,Fig. 1. This valve is opened by the cam to pass fluid pressure when thetoggle is in the chest open position, shown in dotted lines at the left,Fig. 1. Valve 233 controls the supply of fluid pressure by way ofconduits 236 and 231 to the turret turning fluid pressure servomotor 22,and by way of conduit 238 to a servomotor 239. An adjustable needlevalve 249 in conduit 231 regulates the flow of air to motor 22.

The operation of the turret turning motor has already been described.

Servomotor 239; operates in connection with the servomotor 2| of theyoke ironing device. Its piston operates a pivoted blocking lever 24!which in normal position, shown in Fig. 13, serves to hold theactuatinglever 242 of the valve 226 in r the valve closing positionshown. These parts 239, 24!, 242 and 226 are located at the forward endof the machine, as shown in Fig. 1. The supporting shaft 243- for theblocking lever 2 extends to the front of the machine where it isprovided with a foot treadle 244 by which it may be rotated. Lever 24!is moved to its blocking position to close valve 225, by depression oftreadle 244, and is automatically retracted to release lever 242 andpermit self-opening of valve 226, by energization of the servomotor 239.

The valve 226 is connected by conduit 245 with the servomotor 2| forretracting the yoke ironer. In the conduit 245 is a check valve 246seating toward valve 226 and permitting the flow of air only in adirection toward the servomotor. This member, by the effect oLsprlngs 2|I, into ironing position.

Valve 224 is mounted on the rigid frame of the machine, as shown in Fig.l, and is actuated to open it by a roller 249, mounted on a support 256on the rotatable turret frame.

This valve is opened as the turret frame reaches a position in which theshirt form registers with the pressing chests. It controls the flow ofsupply of pressure fluid by way of conduits "I and 252 to a combinationvalve 253,'by conduit 254 with a combination valve 255, and by acontinuation of conduit 25l with a combination valve 256.

The valve 253 is located on the rear standard 3 of the machine frame andis operated through lever 251 by the cam 235. This valve is open whenthe toggle links 32, 34 are in chest closed check valve is by-passed bya conduit 241 inposition. It controls the supply ofpressure fluid by wayof conduits 253 and 259 to the Wing extending servomotor l9, and by wayof conduit 266, an adjustable needle valve 26! anda check valve 262,with a combination valve 263. valve 263 in turn controls the supply offluid pressure by way of a conduit 264 to the heavy pressure servomotorII. with a servomotor 265 for operating it, is mounted near the upperend of the pillar 2, near the pressure. motor, as shown diagrammaticallyin Fig. 1. v

The combination valve 255 is located at the rear of the machine in thehousing 266 of the automatic timer l1 (see Fig. 1) and is shown indetail in connection with the timing mechanism in-Figs. 3 and 4. v v

It is operated by a lever 261 which is operated by a cam 268 forming apart of the timer to-be later described. This valve 255 controls thesupply of fluid pressure by way of conduit 269 and conduit 63 to thechest closing motor [0. An extension of conduit 269 also supplies fluidpressure to the servomotor 265 before referred to.

When valve 255 closes, pressure in the cylinder I 0 is evacuated throughconduit 63 and also by conduit 210 and its check valve 21L 265 is alsoexhausted to pipe 269. The exhaust outlet of valve 255 is provided withan adjustableoriflce 212 which permits the rate of exhaust to becontrolled to snub the opening movement of the piston of motor "I andthe chest 9 which it operates. When the piston 62 engages post 64 thepiston 6! of course also returns, va.1ve 65 closing.

Combination valve 256 is actuated by a lever 213 operated by a cam 214of the timer mechanism. This valve 256 controls the supply of fluidpressure to the wing retracting motor 20 by way of conduit 215. Thephysical location of .valve 256 is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Timing mechanism The timing mechanism I1 is enclosed within Change ofthe pressing time is effected by adjustment of cam 268 relative to theplate 218, by means of slot 219 and stud 286, the adjustment varying therelative circumferential extent of The This valve, together Servomotorthe full height lobe of cam 268, 218 with reference to its recess.

Shaft 28I, to which plate 218 is fixed, is connected .by a train ofgears marked generally 282, Fig. 4, to the shaft 283 of a worm wheel 284driven by a worm 285, the shaft 286 of which has aflixed to its outerend a friction disk 281 driven by a friction wheel 288 on the shaft ofelectric motor I8. The motor, motor shaft and friction wheel 288 areadjustably mounted upon a stationary base 289, .an adjusting screwhaving a head 298, being provided to vary the position of engagementbetween wheel 288 anddisk 281, so as to vary the speed 'ofthe timershaft and cams, motor I8 being a constant speed motor. The direction ofrotation of the cams is clockwise as viewed in Fig. 3.

Timer disabling mechanism As previously described, the cam 214 actuatesthe valve 256 through lever 213; and cam 268, 218 actuates the valve 255through lever 261. This lever is mounted freely on a shaft 29 I, beingbiased to maintain contact with the cam, by a tension spring 292.Associated with lever 261, and also freely mounted upon the shaft, isanother lever 293, interconnected with lever 261 by a lateral branch 294on lever 293 adapted to engage the depending arm of lever 261. The hubof lever 293 is provided with a boss 295 having an arm 296 supporting anadjustable weight 291 just heavy enough to counterbalance the lever 293.One arm of lever 293 is connected to a link 298 between collar nuts 299and a compression spring 388 thereon, the link 298 being connected toblock 228, as shown in Figs. and

13, and the depending arm of lever 293 being connected by link 38I tothe electric switch 2I9, shown in Figs. 3 and 6.

Fig. 3 illustrates the parts in their positions when operatingautomatically. during a cycle. It

will be noted that there is clearance between the arm of lever 293 andcollar 299 and the end of spring 388. In this position spring 388 isslightly compressed and serves as a motion relief to protect the switch2 I9 when the rod 298 is elevated. In the switch casing is located aswitch 382, to bereferred to later.

The purpose of the mechanism just described is to interrupt automaticoperation of the machine during a cycle. Such an interruption may benecessary or desirable in order to give the operator, at her option,more time for any purpose, such as to dress a shirt on the form at thedressing position. Ordinarily the time alotted to her by the automaticcycle is sufficient, but emergencies may arise, such as a shirt ofunusual style or design, or for other reasons where additional time isrequired or it may be desired temporarily to shut down the machine.

In such event the operator depresses the foot treadle 232 to rotateshaft 23I in a clockwise direction, Fig. 5. This elevates rod 229,rotates block 228 clockwise, permitting valve 222 to close. However,this is only a partial movement of the treadle permitted .by theclearance between the collar and the branch of lever 293. When theseparts engage, treadle motion, is stopped, because the roller on lever261 is riding on the full height lobe of cam 268.

Downward movement of rod 298 has relieved the compression of spring 388.Under these conditions the compressed spring 382 in the switch housingbecomes effective to rotate lever 293 counterclockwise as soon as suchmotion is perlow point in the cam reaches the lever 261. The switch 2I9then opens, and the lever 261, rotating counterclockwise into the lowlevel of the cam, closes valve 255 to exhaust.

.By referring to Fig. 13, it will be observed that when valve 222 isclosed, the supply of fluid pressure to the turret turning motor 22 isblocked.

When the operator has completed the dressing operation on the form atthe dressing station, she returns treadle 232 to its normal position andreestablishes the automatic. operation or continuance of the cycle.

It will be observed that the timer disabling mechanism described is ofsuch construction and arrangement as to make it impossible to completeinterruption of the automatically controlled cycle during the actualpressing portion of the cycle. That is to say, when the operatordepresses the treadle' 232, the first effect is to close valve 222 andblock the supply of fluid pressure to the turret indexing motor 22, butoperating effect upon switch 2I9 is delayed pending rotation of cam 268until the roller on lever 261 can enter the low part thereof. When thisoccurs valve 255 is opened to exhaust and the press closing motor I8 isevacuated, with a certainty that neither the pressing mechanism nor thetiming motor stop until the pressing operation is completed and thechests are in open position.

Complete operation In describing a typical cycle of operations of themachine, it will be assumed that one pressing operation is in process atthe pressing station, and that a finished shirt has just been removedfrom the form now in the dressing position at the right in Fig.1. Thisform is numbered 6. At this particular instant, it will also be assumedthat a part of the pressing cycle has been completed, as shown by thelocation of'the cams 268, 218, with reference to lever 261, Fig. 13.Cain 214,

rotating clockwise in Fig. 13, has passed the roller on lever 213, sothat the wing retracting motor 28 has been actuated to retract the wingson the form 6.

The operator now dresses a shirt on form 6 by applying it to the formfrom the back and above, threading the longer sleeve rod II9 through theright sleeve. She then draws the shirt across the back of the form andover its left shoulder portion. The collar or neckband is then dressedaround the block in an upstanding position. The operator then pullsforwardly on handle I31, applying the clamping band I29 and at the sametime depressing rod I24 to extend the two sleeve rods II9, I28. She thendepresses the treadle 244 which rotates the block 24I to a blockingposition, which closes the valve 226. This evacuates cylinder 2I of theyoke ironing mechanism, which exhausts under control of the needle valve248 and permits the springs 2I I Thereupon the operator depresses lever89 to initially extend laterally the two side wings 69.

She then pulls downwardly upon the back tail of the shirt and smoothesout its back.

Since the electric switches 2I8 and 2I9 are closed, the timingmechanism, including shaft 2" and its cams, is rotating continuously andby this time the point 333 (Fig. 13) of cani 263 has reached the rolleron lever 251, and as the roller enters the recess of the cam, valve 255closes, causing evacuation of the fluid motors Ii and I3. Pressure isrelieved, shaft 35 rotates, and the toggle links 32, 34 open, drawingthe chest 3 away from the form- Springs 25 are now effective to returnthe form i to its outermost normal position on the turret frame. Lug I12engages the block I33, moving it out of the is free to berotated.

When the toggle linkshave completed their opening movement, the cam 235moves out of contact with lever 25?, causingvalve 253 to close,exhausting the wing extending servomotor, and the same cam 235 has movedinto contact with lever 23!, opening valve 233 to supply fluid pressureto the servomotor 233 and also to the turret turning motor 22.

Energization of servomotor 233 moves the block 24! out of the way,causing valve 226 to open. which energizes servomotor 2|, causing theyoke ironing shoe 233 to be retracted to its inoperative position.

At practically the same time, or a moment thereafter, the piston ofservomotor 22 begins to move and cause turret rotation. Since theresponse of the motor 2|, when valve 225 is opened, is more rapid thanthe response of motor 22, the

way, and the turret complete removal of the yoke ironing shoe, beforeturret rotation begins, is asured.

When the piston of motor 22 has completed its stroke and accomplished,in the form illustrated, 180" of rotation of the turret, the form 8, onwhich a fresh shirt has been dressed, reaches registering positionbetween the ironing chests. Motion of the turret is retarded or brakedby the plate 155 and brake shoe I55, and the lug I12 cams the blockI'Ill out of the way and engages block I53 broadside, whereupon turretmotion is stopped and the turret is locked in this position, aspreviously described.

In this position a roller 233 at the end of the turret actuates valve22310 open it, thus supplying fluid pressure to valves 253, 255 and 256.Shortly after registration is completed, the high point 303 of cam 263actuates lever 26Ito open valve 255, which permits passage of pressurefluid to the motors l0 and 255. Motor l0 moves chest 3 against the formand advances the form into position for pressure engagement by the chest8- In this position the toggle links 32, 3d are locked over center.

Energization of servomotor 255 opens valve 263, supplying fluid pressureto the servomotor H, which applies chest 3 with heavy pressure to theform.

When the toggle links reach straightened position the. cam 235 actuatesthe lever to open valve 253. This supplies pressure fluid to the wingextension motor l3, and since the same fluid line supplies pressure tovalve 263, the energize.- tion of the wing extending motor takes placejust prior to the energization of the final pressure motor ll. Whenmotor I! is energized, its plunger 32 engages the lever 30 to cause afinal stretching action of the wings. This final extension takes placejust before the final pressure chest 3 moves into pressure contact.

When the form reaches pressure. Position by inward motion toward thecenter of the turret, the flange I36 of its conduit I31 registers withand depresses the collar I33 at the mouth of the heating chamber, andthe damper lever'lll has been actuated to open the damper and supplyheated air both to the neckband block, through conduits I33, and by wayof conduit I35 and chamber "6 to the edges of the wing members and theside seams of the shirt there exposed.

The form 1 is now in the dressing position and the operator is removingthe finished shirt therefrom. About the time she completes thisoperation the cam 214 engages lever 2l3and opens valve 258 whichsupplies fluid pressure to the wing retracting motor 23, which actsthrough the bell crank lever 37, 33, to raise lever 33 and causeretraction of the wings. This operation is timed so that the operatorhas plenty of opportunity to remove the shirt before this operationtakes place, thus preventing drawing of the flnished shirt into the wingslots and causing them to become mussed. The operator then proceeds withthe dressing of another shirt on form i and the cycle is repeated, asbefore.

Large and small shirts are distributed between the large and smallforms, as will be readily understood.

If the operator anticipates requirement for an unusually long pressingperiod, she applies her foot to the treadle 232, which first cuts oil?the supply of fluid pressure to the turret turning motor and, when thimmediate pressing operation has been completed, opens the switch 2 loand shuts down the timer motor. When the desired ates treadle 232 toreturn it to its normal position, which re-establishes operation of theautomatic cycle, but not until the hot chests have been removed from theform at the tion.

The details for steam supply to the various heating units have not beenshown where they would be confusing. Sliiiice it to say that the p lypipes are out of the path of travel of forms 6 and I, located overhead,and connected by flexible hose with the upper connection I14 and 28! forthe chests 8 and 3 and for shoe 233 re pectively. The lower or drainconnections for chest 8 and shoe 203 are led away through pillar 2. Thedrain connection for'chest 9 can be led away without dificulty.

What I claim is: I

1. Apparatus of the described, comprising a shirt form mounted in erectposition and movable horizontally, opposed heated chests cooperatingtherewith, motor means for advancing one chest into pressing relationwith the form, a second motor means for advancing said chest and theform into pressing relation with the sec and chest, and a third motormeans for applying the second chest to the fern; with heavy pressure forproducing an ironing eifect.

2. Apparatus or the character described in pressing staclaim 1, in whichthe several motor means are stream of drying air upon the exposed sideseam portions of the shirt. v

4. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a padded shirtreceiving form, two opposed relatively movable ironingche'sts adaptedfor application to said form, said form and chests being so shaped thatthe side seams of the shirt are exposed during the pressing operation,.one

of said chests being provided .with a channel havposed relativelymovable ironing chests adapted for application to said form, said formand chests being so shaped that the side seams of the shirt are exposedduring the pressing operation, one of said chests being movably mountedand provided with a chamber having an elongated mouth the lip of whichlies adjacent a side seam during the pressing operation, and means forsupplying drying air to said chamber.

6. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperatingopposed pressing members one of which is movably mounted upon saidframe, a movable support carrying a plurality of upright shirt receivingform members adapted to be selectively moved into pressing positionbetween said pressing members, said movable pressing member beingprovided with an air supply chamber provided with an inlet and alsohaving an outlet lying beyond the pressing area and thereby beinglocated'to direct air upon a portion of the shirt which is exposed whenthe pressing members are in pressing position, and an air supply conduiton the form member havinga discharge opening adapted to register withthe air inlet on the movable pressing member and arranged to supplydrying air to said chamber only "when" the-movable pressing memberis.ap-'

plied to the shirt holding form.

'7. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame,cooperating" opposed pressing members one of which is movably mountedupon said frame, a movable support carrying a plurality of upright shirtreceiving forms adapted to be selectively moved into and out of pressingposition between said pressing members, each form having a neckbandreceiving block provided with an air distributing channel extendingalong the neckband seam of the shirt, the form being provided withconduit means having an inlet and communicating with said channel, andai supply means on the frame having a discharge opening with which saidinlet registers when the pressing members are closed upon a form forsupplying drying air to said conduit means.

8. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperatingopposed pressing tion from said source to said chamber and from saidchamber to said channel.

9. Apparatus of the character described, comradially on the turret,movable ironing means on the frame for cooperation with the form at apressing station, means for rotating the turret to bring a form intoregistration with the ironing means, turret locking means, and means forreleasing the locking means operated by movement of the form on theturret.

10. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, a turretrotatable therein and carrying a plurality of shirt forms each movableradially on the turret, movable ironing means on the frame forcooperation with the form at a pressing station, means for rotating theturret to bring a form into registration with the ironing means, meansfor stopping the turret and for locking it when the form is registeredwith the ironing means, and means whereby application of the ironingmeans to the form releases the turmembers one of which is movablymounted upon said frame, a movabl support carrying a plurality ofupright shirt receiving forms adapted to be selectively moved intopressing position between said pressing members, each form having aneckband receiving block provided with an air distributing channelextending along the neckband seam of the shirt, said movable pressingmember being provided With a chamber having an outlet lying adjacent a'portion of the shirt when in pressing position, a source of drying airon the frame, and means'arranged upon relative approach pressingmovement between the pressing members for establishing communicaretlocking means.

11. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, ironingmeans movably mounted thereon, a turret carrying a plurality of shirtholding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressingstation to ironing posi tion, and ironing means movably mounted on theframe at the dressing station and adapted for cooperation with any oneof said forms when atsaid station for ironing a portion of the shirt onsuch form.

12. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, ironingmeans movably mounted thereon, a turret carrying a plurality of shirtholding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressingstation to ironing position, a

'operated control means for causing application of the yoke ironer atthe will of the operator to the shirt on any form when at saiddressingstation.

14. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, ironingmeans movably mounted thereon, a turret carrying a plurality of shirtholding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressingstation to ironing position, a yoke ironer movably mounted upon" theframe at the dressing station, operator-operated control means forcausing application of the yoke ironer at the will of the operator tothe shirt on any form when at said station, and automatic means forretracting the yoke ironer.

15. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, movableironing means supported by the frame at an ironing station, a rotatableturret carrying a plurality of movable shirt holding forms and adaptedby its rotation to move them from a dressing station to the ironingstation, operating means therefor, means for applying the ironing meansto the form, automatic control means for causing a cycle of operationsof the turret rotating means and movable ironing means, includingadvance and recession of said ironing means, and disabling meansoperatable by ing station, operating means therefor, means for applyingtheironing means to the form, automatic control means for causing acycle of operations of the turret rotating mean and movable ironingmeans, including advance and recession of said ironing means,' anddisabling means operatable by and'at the will of the operator fortemporarily stopping operation of said control means after the lapse ofa delay period terminated by said control means.

17. Apparatus of the character described, comprimng a frame havingspaced dressing and ironing stations, movable ironing means supported bythe frame at the ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying aplurality of shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to movesaid forms from the dressing station to the ironing station, operatingmean therefor, means at the ironing station for applying said ironingmeans to theform. a yoke ironer movably mounted on the frame at thedressing station, and automatic control means for sequentially causingpressure relieving operation of the yoke ironerwith respect to suchform, turret rotating operation of the turret operating means, andpressure applying operation of the movable ironingmeans with respect tothe same form.

18. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame havingspaced dressing and'ironing stations, movable ironing means supported bythe frame at the ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying aplurality of shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to movesaid forms from the dressing station to the ironing station, operatingmeans therefor, means at the ironing station for applying said ironingmeans to the form, a yoke ironer movably mounted on the frame at thedressing station, operator operated means for causing application ofsaid yoke ironer to a form at the dressing station, and automaticcontrol means for sequentially causing pressure relieving operation ofthe yoke ironer with respect to such form, turret rotating operation ofthe turret operating means, and pressure applying operation of themovable ironing means with respect to the same form.

19. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, movableironing means supported by the frame at an ironing station, a rotatableturret carrying a plurality of movable shirt holding forms and adaptedby its rotation to move' them from a dressing station to the ironingstation, operating means therefor, means for applying the ironing meansto the form, a yoke ironer mounted on'the frame at the dressing station,operator-operated means for causing application of the yoke ironer tothe form, automatic control .means for causing a cycle of operationsincluding release of theyoke ironer from the form. rotation of theturret, and application of the ironing means to the form, and disablingmeans .operatable by and at the will of the operator for temporarilystopping operation of said control means.

20. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, movableironing mean supported by the frame at an ironing station, a rotatableturret carrying a plurality of movable shirt holding forms and adaptedby its rotation to move them from a dressing station to the ironingstation, operatingmeans therefor, means for apply ing the ironing meansto the form, a yoke ironer mounted on the frame at the dressing station,operator-operated means for causing application of the yoke ironer tothe form, automatic control means for causing a cycle of operations ofthe yoke ironer, rotation of the turret and applica tion of the ironingmeans to the form, operatoroperated means for actuating said controlmeans to interrupt'said cycle of operations, and means for delaying suchinterruption pending retraction of the ironing means.

21. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a form on'which ashirt may be dressed, wings having side edges generally parallel to thesides of the body of a shirt dressed on said form, said wings beingmovably mounted in said form and extensible from the sides thereof tofit snugly within shirts of varying sizes, chest means cooperating withboth sides'of said form and with said wings to press a shirt on saidform, and said chest means being provided with recesses above said wingsand opposite the shoulder portions of a shirt on said form, saidrecesses permitting the shirt-shoulder-supporting portions to extendthereinto whereby forms having shoulder portions of different width maycooperate satisfactorily with said chest means.

22. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame,cooperating opposed pressing members one of which is'movably mountedupon said frame, a work holding form between said pressing members andmovable with th movable pressing member, a source of drying air providedwith an outlet, and conduit means on the form for discharging air uponthe work and provided with an inlet coupled to said outlet by formmovement.

23. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame,cooperating opposedl pressing members one of which is movably mountedupon said frame, a .Work holding form between said pressing members andmovable with the movable pressing member, a source of drying airprovided with an outlet, conduit means on the form for discharging airupon the work, normally closed valve means controlling air flow fromsaid outlet through said conduit means, and means operated by relativemotion between said form and th frame for opening said valve'means.

24. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame,cooperating opposed. pressing members one of which is movablymounted'upon said frame, a Work holding form between said pressingmembers and movable with the movable pressing member, a source of dryingair provided with an outlet, conduit means on the form for dischargingair upon the work and provided with an inlet coupled to said outlet byform movement, conduit means on the movable Dressing member fordischarging a stream of drying air upon the work, and means arranged.upon engage- 25. Apparatus of the character described, comprising aframe, movable ironing means sup ported by the frame at an ironingstation, a rotatable turret carrying a plurality of movable work holdingforms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressing stationto the ironing station, turret operating means, means for applying theironing means to the form, automatic control means for causing a cycleof operations of the turretv rotating means and movable ironing means,including advance and recession of said ironing means, disabling meansoperatable by and at the will of the operator for temporarily stoppingoperation of said control means, and means operated by said controlmeans and efiective upon operation of said disabling means for delayingstop of said control means pending completion of the ironing operation.

26. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame,cooperating opposed pressing members mounted upon said frame and eachmovable toward and from the other, a work holding form movably mountedupon the frame between said operating members, operating means foradvancing one pressing member toward the second thereof to a pressingposition in which said operating means then serves as a backingpreventing recession of the form, and operating means for then advancingthe second pressing member toward the first thereof to apply ironingpressure to opposite faces of the form.

FORREST J. COUCH.

